CONTROVERSY reigned over the extension of the runway at Glamorgan (Rhoose) Airport.

No decision had been reached on the long-term aviation needs of Wales, but the secretary of state for Wales, Cledwyn Hughes decided that work should go ahead immediately.

Mr Hughes announced his decision just over a year after the public inquiry was held.

“The minister stated that the possible future development of a major international airport at Severnside would not “greatly diminish” the need for an improved runway at Rhoose.

He considered the need for an improved airport outweighed agricultural and noise objections.

He ruled that the runway extension should not exceed 6,500 feet plus a 500 foot starter strip.

But this was considered that this was unlikely to please many people - especially those who were looking for bold imaginative planning.

In spite of the £2.5million development plan, the airport consultant, John Powell, warned that some jets would not be able to use the airport and operational economy for certain aircraft would be considerably reduced because the plan had been “badly trimmed down.”

Mr Powell said: “The runway length which we set out in our minimum plan was the absolute minimum and by reducing it certain types of jets, including the Trident, which we hoped would use Rhoose, will not be able to do so.”

Cambrian Airways considered the minister’s decision but thought it would mean some sort of weight penalty would have to be introduced on short-haul jet aircraft.

It was concluded the decision would have serious effects on the Vale of Glamorgan. In the first instance the B4265 Barry to Rhoose road would be diverted to the south through the Porthkerry area to allow room for the extension.

Nearly 250 acres of farmland would be taken to allow for the extension and the Board of Trade were likely to give permission for the compulsory purchase within a few days.

Mrs G R Lewis, of Upper Porthkerry, said that a compulsory purchase order was confirmed then she would probably have to move the whole of her racing stables.

She said she would need at least £50,000 of compensation as it would also take away two cottages and deprive two stable lads of their living.

St Curging’s Church, Porthkerry, would suffer from noise and Welsh office inspector, Mr D Offord doubted whether it would be suitable for church services without consultation.

It was not expected that the main work on the extension, which would include extensions to the passenger terminal, would begin until next Spring.

l Promoters of the Jenner Park speedway and entertainment scheme hit back at the news that the Parks Open Spaces Committee was recommending Barry Town Council turn it down.

The company spokesman said the report gave an unbalanced and incorrect picture of the proposals which they were putting forward and to say the Corporation would be carried was a “red herring.”